Alberto Ravagnani was 32 years old, had a parish in Milan, and more than 300,000 followers on Instagram. He posted gym selfies, used artificial intelligence to write his sermons, and collaborated with supplement brands. He was, quite literally, Italy’s most viral priest. 🙏📱
On February 1, 2026, the Archdiocese of Milan officially confirmed what many had already suspected: Ravagnani was leaving the priesthood. His reason was direct and straightforward. Mandatory celibacy struck him as “inhuman” and “hypocritical”. He had been ordained in 2018, at age 25, and served for almost seven years.
He announced that he is not disappearing. He will continue working with young people and as a writer, but outside the Church. His story split Italy in two, and the hashtag #Ravagnani became a worldwide trend. Courage or resignation? 🔥
